Judd is president of Major County Sheriffs of America

Wednesday

Feb 14, 2018 at 7:19 PMFeb 15, 2018 at 10:30 AM

Paul Catala

LAKELAND — Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is the new president of the Major County Sheriffs of America for 2018-19.

Judd was officially installed in a ceremony for the new group of executive officers Wednesday morning at the Major County Sheriffs of America Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. The MCSA is a professional law enforcement association of elected sheriffs representing counties or parishes with populations of 500,000 or more.

Judd, first elected sheriff in 2004, takes the MCSA presidency from Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens of Santa Ana, Orange County, California, according to PSCO spokeswoman Carrie Horstman.

"It is an honor to have been chosen by my colleagues, the sheriffs of the largest agencies in the nation, to lead the Major County Sheriffs of America. As leaders in the MCSA, sheriffs must demonstrate strength, courage, confidence, and leadership while protecting the best interest of the citizens we serve to lead the way for a safer America," Judd said in a written statement. "We will work hard to ensure best practices are determined pursuant to professional research and time tested protocols; as well as guaranteeing the delivery of services with a sense of urgency to the American people based upon what is right and not what is politically expedient."

By phone Wednesday afternoon, Judd said he and 10 other MCSA officers had met with President Donald Trump in the White House Oval Office. There, he said, the group expressed to Trump its appreciation for his efforts to "get rid of the criminal, illegal aliens in the country victimizing those in the states." He said the president told them he has their backs and recognized the sometimes underappreciated work law enforcement officers do.

"It's a very dangerous job. Law enforcement officers and the military deserve our respect, and he is a big supporter," Judd said.

Judd was elected to his MCSA position by his peers and will serve two years as MCSA president.

"I'm humbled by their support. There is no higher honor than when the most professional law enforcement executives or sheriffs in the nation trust you to lead our organization. It's the honor of a lifetime," he said.

MCSA Vice President Jim McDonnell, sheriff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, said all sheriff's offices across the United States need to work together to advocate for the resources and financial investments necessary to fight crime.

"The demands placed on law enforcement in 21st century policing require new strategies, greater resources and legislative support. Law enforcement are the first responders to society's ills whether it be mental illness, addiction or emerging crime trends," he said in a written comment.